13th Annual Pacific Northwest Brew Cup Returns to Astoria

The Pacific Northwest Brew Cup returns to the Astoria, Oregon waterfront from September 26th thru 28th. Now in its 13th year, this years Brew Cup will see a few changes to improve this fun filled festival on Oregon’s North Coast.

For 2014 there are two brand new events that will take place for the extended weekend of craft beer tasting. To kick the festivities off there will be a Brewer’s Reception on Thursday night, September 25th at the Barbey Maritime Center. Then to help get ready for the Brew Cup, Baked Alaska will host a Brewer’s Breakfast on Saturday morning.

Throughout the festival you can let your voice be heard by voting for the “People’s Choice Award”. Last year the winner was Prodigal Son Brewing in Pendleton, OR. It was their Bruce/Lee Porter that propelled them to the top. And last year’s award for the “Thar She Blows” for the first keg to blow went to Three Creeks Brewing from Sisters, OR for their Five Pine Chocolate Porter. Who will come out on top this year?

Entry to the Pacific Northwest Brew Cup is free and open to all ages. Souvenir tasting mugs are available for purchase ($9) and tokens ($1 each) are required to sample beers and can be purchased at the festival. Tickets for the Brewer’s Reception and Brewer’s Breakfast can be purchased in advance at www.PacificNorthwestBrewCup.com.

Brewer’s Reception
Thursday, Sept. 25 from 5:00 to 8:00pm – Barbey Maritime Center
A pre-tasting session will kick off the festival weekend with limited-edition beers only available Thursday night and a meet-and-greet with North Coast brewers from Fort George Brewery, Buoy Beer, Astoria Brewing Co., Seaside Brewing and North Jetty Brewing. Fresh bites will be served by Buoy Beer, Astoria’s newest brewpub. Tickets cost $35 and include nine tasting tokens and a 2014 Pacific Northwest Brew Cup commemorative mug that can be used throughout the weekend. This event is 21 and over only.

Pacific Northwest Brew Cup
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 26-28 – Barbey Maritime Center
Friday – Noon to 10:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Named one of the best beer festivals in Oregon by The Oregonian, the 13th annual Pacific Northwest Brew Cup will feature 36 Northwest beers (see the full list online here), specialty cocktails and tastes from North Coast Distilling, musical performances all weekend and grub to keep you on your feet from local restaurants Baked Alaska and Monte Alban, popular Astoria Sunday Market vendor Punky’s, and O Falafel food cart. The historic Astoria Trolley will run the Brew Cup route until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Pacific Power Brewer’s Breakfast
Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9:00 to 11:00am – Baked Alaska
Rise and shine with festival brewers and Brew Cup creators by fueling up with omelets on Sunday morning. Hosted at Baked Alaska overlooking the scenic Columbia River, hearty omelets and beer cocktails – think Beer-mosas – will be served before the final festival day. Tickets cost $25 and include a buffet-style omelet bar and one specialty drink. This event is 21 and over only.

Live Music
The Pacific Northwest Brew Cup will include a variety of bands during the 3-day festival. An eclectic sampling of music from all over the Pacific Northwest.

• A Year Afar – Quirky Folk Rock
• Bart Budwig – Americana/Country from Moscow, ID
• Ben Rice Band – Blues/Slide Guitar featuring Calen Ughlig
• Brownsmead Flats – acoustic “Crabgrass” from Brownsmead, OR
• Builders & the Butchers – Folk Rock/Murder Balled Monsters from Portland
• J. D. Kindel and the Eastern Oregon Playboys – Crooners return from Pendleton, OR with a new album!
• Kaylee Rob – Electronic/Funk from Portland
• Michael Hurley – Folk Music via Everywhere by way of Knappa
• Shaena Stabler – Soul/Songwriter from LA via Warrenton, OR!
• The Cowpokers – Outlaw Country via Astoria
• The Pine Hearts – Americana/Country from Olympia, WA
• The Quick & Easy Boys – a power-trio out of Portland, Oregon, create their own blend of rock and roll
• The Resolectrics – Blues/Soul/Groove from Portland

The Pacific Northwest Brew Cup is one of Oregon’s best kept beer secrets. This festival draws some of Oregon’s best talent but is still small enough that you don’t feel like you’re spending the entire day waiting in line. If you haven’t yet been to Astoria, make this the reason to check out the North Coast’s coolest small town.

Located on Astoria’s scenic waterfront overlooking the Columbia River, the North Coast’s hoppiest festival will feature 36 Northwest beers, 13 returning musical acts and local food vendors for family-friendly fun. You can stay up to date with all of the weekends events at their website and on their Facebook page.